The initiative seeks to gather insight into current safeguarding practices, identify challenges and gaps, and explore potential reforms to strengthen awareness and provision.
With most school-aged children attending Out-of-School Settings (OOSS), including activity centres, it is essential that these environments are not only enriching but also safe. All OOSS providers have a duty of care to protect the children in their settings from harm.
The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a Call for Evidence to support the development of government policy on safeguarding in the OOSS sector.
This important consultation will help shape future policy by collecting data on:
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Existing safeguarding practices, awareness and understanding among providers, parents, and safeguarding professionals.
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Views on possible policy reforms and preferences for improving safeguarding in OOSS.
Who can respond?
The Call for Evidence is open to all interested individuals and organisations, including:
- Schools, colleges, and young people
- Parents and carers
- OOSS providers
- Safeguarding bodies
- Accreditation organisations
- Local authorities
- Professionals with safeguarding responsibilities (e.g. police, Children’s Commissioner)
- Individuals working or volunteering in any of the above sectors
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) has said it will be submitting a response and encourages the sector and its supporters to take part.
Responses need to be submitted by 21st August 2025
You can take part in the Call for Evidence by completing the survey here:
